Erigeron canaani

Summary

Erigeron canaani is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name Abajo fleabane.[2] It has been found only in southern Utah, in sandy soil and in cracks on cliff faces in Washington, Kane, and San Juan Counties.[3]

Erigeron canaani
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Erigeron
Species:
E. canaani
Binomial name
Erigeron canaani
Synonyms[1]
  • Erigeron higginsii S.L.Welsh

Erigeron canaani is a perennial herb up to 30 cm (12 inches) tall, producing a taproot. One plant can produce several flower heads, sometimes one per branch, sometimes in groups of 2 or 3. Each head has 15–22 white or purpleray florets, plus numerous small yellow disc florets.[2]

The species is named for Canaan Mountain south of Zion National Park. The common name "Abajo fleabane" refers to the Abajo Mountains south of Canyonlands National Park.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ The Plant List, Erigeron canaani S.L.Welsh
  2. ^ a b Flora of North America, Erigeron canaani S. L. Welsh, Great Basin Naturalist. 43: 366. 1983. Abajo fleabane
  3. ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution
  4. ^ Welsh, Stanley Larson. 1983. Great Basin Naturalist 43(2): 366